In recovery, there are many positive virtues and moral qualities that are
available for us. As we work a good program of recovery, we learn
how to move forward with purpose and strength. Many of us who are in
recovery are fully capable of experiencing happiness and peace of mind.
Personally, when I first walked into the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous I
thought that it would be totally impossible for me to ever live a happy
and joyous lifestyle. I believed
that true happiness would be unattainable for someone like me; however,
Iíve learned through the course of my journey that happiness, serenity,
and peace of mind and spirit ARE obtainable. We do recover, and we
do learn how to live a life thatís full of happiness and serenity.

Before recovery, I never knew what
true happiness really was. Iíve never experienced it because I was always
living a life of insanity and self-destruction. While on my journey in
recovery, Iíve finally learned the true meaning of happiness. A person is
said to be happy if he is marked by pleasure. Happiness is a diverse
virtue that encompasses many forms. When one feels lively and joyous,
then he is most likely happy in some way. Peace of mind, contentment,
fulfillment, gratification, tranquility, and calmness are all attributes
of happiness. Happiness is sought after by many, and is a popular
ultimate destination for most people. If true happiness is to be
obtained, then one must believe that happiness is attainable. Happiness
is possible, and it can be achieved in peopleís lives, and also in the
lives of people who are in recovery. Even if a person has a dark and
sinful past, happiness can still be a quality of someone who is working a
good program of recovery.

While we are in recovery, we are
ridding ourselves of character defects, negative attitudes and beliefs,
unrighteousness, impurity, grief, selfishness, false pride, fear, anger,
frustration, hopelessness, and many other negative qualities that inhibit
and block happiness from our lives. A great way to reach happiness is to
simply work a thorough program of recovery. Remain honest, open-minded,
and willing to apply the suggestions of the program. As we move forward
on our journey, we are getting closer and closer to reaching happiness in
our lives.

A great way to reach happiness is
to achieve our goals, carry out our endeavors, and to complete a grand
accomplishment. For those of us in recovery, the daily decision to remain
clean and sober is a step in the right direction. When a person has
reached a peak in his life, he will be more able to acquire happiness. As
we seek to achieve our goals and dreams, and carry out our desire and
determination to remain clean and sober, we gain experience, harmony,
liveliness, and become enthusiastic of our chances to reach our final
destination of true and complete happiness. An incredible calmness
transforms us and revitalizes our inner essence. A rewarding, clean and
serene existence allows us to feel exuberant and refreshed, thereby
filling us with warmth and an energizing, high-spirited mindset. A
tranquil trance consumes us, and a luminous glow of heavenly bliss fills
our being with its magnificence. A sense of serenity enlivens our spirit,
rejuvenating us, and allowing us to fly high in a land full of
invigorating bliss, blessedness, and delight.

While in recovery, we become more
at ease with ourselves and our role in this world, and we then become more
able to reach a truer state of peace and serenity. It should be our goal
to believe that only the best will unfold in our search for true happiness
and contentment. We should love life with our whole heart. We are all
capable of generosity, kindness, and righteousness. As we employ these
kind-hearted virtues, it will be more likely that happiness will be found
and enjoyed. Let us all enjoy our existence, and become mesmerized and
intrigued with life itself. Let us explore and discover new,
breath-taking things from our lives and experiences while we are in our
recovery. We are all special and talented in our own unique way, so letís
embrace our uniqueness and explore unknown boundaries from within, and
embark upon an extravagant journey.

Perfection shouldnít be our
destination, but progress and enlightenment. Let the illumination of
knowledge and wisdom rain down from the heavenly realms of the unknown.
Expand the limitations of your potential. Step forth in hopeful
expectancy. Become alert of the present, not hindered from the past,
since the present is the here and now, and all that is. Let us revelry in
its beauty, for today is another opportunity for us to expand our
awareness. Full of life, and free from strife, letís step forth beaming
with hope, and glistening from the illumination of our potential. As we
become replenished with inspiration, we can confidently march forth
knowing that only the best will unfold and that we are fully capable of
remaining clean and sober.

With an optimistic mindset, we
absolutely know that happiness is waiting and closing in. Harmony and a
peaceful, serene lifestyle are waiting for us. Now it is up to us to
choose the direction we are to take to arrive there. With a strong will
and an enlivened spirit, letís never lose hope, and letís always believe
in our capabilities and potential. It depends on our attitude and drive
if our potential will be properly utilized to help us excel and reach our
utmost destination. Remain honest, open-minded, and willing to apply the
suggestions of the program, and you will reach happiness. Go to meetings,
work the Steps, listen to others, and never lose hope, and you will become
able to live a glorious life that you never would have dreamed possible.
Good luck to all, and to all a good recovery.

Recovery Times has but one purpose and goal, and that is to carry the message of 12-Step Recovery -- as written and practiced in its founding organization's (AA's) unaltered 12 Steps, 12 Traditions,
and 12 Concepts for World Service, but not limited to only AA-sanctioned material (such as The Holy Bible, The Koran, The Upanishads, etc.). Recovery Times is not affiliated nor approved with or by any 12 Step organizations.

Recovery Times publishes only each author's opinions or positions on all matters, and doesn't necessarily agree or disagree with anyone on anything. Our Principles and Protocols are expressed beautifully in
the Prayer of St. Francis (p.99, 12-Steps and 12-Traditions).